Blender with built-in display panel

ABSTRACT

A blender with a display panel is provided to effectuate presentations of visual content. Exemplary implementations may: receive a first type of user input through the control interface; make detections regarding the user input received through the control interface; effectuate presentation of visual content on the display panel, responsive to a first detection of the first type of detections; and/or perform other operations.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to blenders with built-in display panels,particularly portable blenders with transparent display panels.

BACKGROUND

Blenders are known, typically as consumer-grade home appliances.Transparent display panels or see-through display are known, e.g., forpersonal computing devices, window displays, virtual reality devices,and augmented reality devices.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a blender configured toblend foodstuffs using different (blending) modes of operation. A usermay control transitions between different modes of operation through auser interface, (e.g., a touchscreen interface). The user may controlpresentations of visual content on a display panel through thetouchscreen interface. The display panel may be embedded in a containerbody of the blender and may be transparent, such that foodstuffs heldwithin the container body are visible through the display panel. In someimplementations, the blender may be portable due to its size, and/or itsrechargeability. By virtue of true portability, a user can take theblender anywhere and create drinks, shakes, smoothies, baby food,sauces, and/or other concoctions. Once the blender is fully charged, auser can prepare multiple servings quickly and easily. In someimplementations, lack of an external power source, much less a reliableexternal power source, is no longer preventing users from enjoyingblended drinks. By virtue of the control interface and correspondingcontrol circuitry described in this disclosure, different blending modesof operation may be available through an easy-to-use control interface.In some implementations, the control interface may include a (round)touchscreen that is configured to receive user input. In otherimplementations, the control interface may include a button that theuser can push.

The blender may include a blending component, a base assembly, acontainer assembly, a control interface, control circuitry, and/or othercomponents. As used herein, the term “foodstuffs” may includeingredients ranging from solid to liquid, from hot to cold or frozen, inany combination. As used herein, the term “ingredient” merely connotatessomething fit to ingest, and not necessarily nutritional value. Forexample, ice and/or ice cubes may be ingredients.

As used herein, any association (or relation, or reflection, orindication, or correspondency) involving assemblies, blendingcomponents, blades, motors, rotational axes, longitudinal axes,diameters, batteries, couplings, interfaces, display panels,touchscreens, detectors, indicators, magnetic components, caps,rotations, and/or another entity or object that interacts with any partof the blender and/or plays a part in the operation of the blender, maybe a one-to-one association, a one-to-many association, a many-to-oneassociation, and/or a many-to-many association or “N”-to-“M” association(note that “N” and “M” may be different numbers greater than 1).

As used herein, the term “effectuate” (and derivatives thereof) mayinclude active and/or passive causation of any effect. As used herein,the term “determine” (and derivatives thereof) may include measure,calculate, compute, estimate, approximate, generate, and/or otherwisederive, and/or any combination thereof.

These and other features, and characteristics of the present technology,as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedcomponents of structure and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As usedin the specification and in the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”,and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a blender configured to blend foodstuffsusing different (blending) modes of operation, in accordance with one ormore implementations.

FIG. 2 shows a method for effectuating presentations of visual contenton a display panel of a blender, in accordance with one or moreimplementations.

FIG. 3 shows an isometric elevated view of a blender configured to blendfoodstuffs using different (blending) modes of operation, in accordancewith one or more implementations.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of a base assembly of a blender configured toblend foodstuffs using different (blending) modes of operation, inaccordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary use of a blender with a transparent displaypanel, in accordance with one or more implementations.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary use of a blender with a transparent displaypanel, in accordance with one or more implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a blender 100 configured to blend foodstuffs usingdifferent blending modes of operation, in accordance with one or moreimplementations. Blender 100 may include one or more of a base assembly11, a container assembly 12, a blending component 133, a controlinterface 29, control circuitry 17 (depicted in FIG. 1 as a dottedrectangle to indicate this component may be embedded within baseassembly 11, and not readily visible from the outside), and/or othercomponents. Control interface 29 may include one or more of atouchscreen 31, a button (not depicted), and/or other components.Container assembly 12 may include one or more of a container body 20, adisplay panel 21 (depicted in FIG. 1 as a dotted rectangle to indicatethis component may be embedded within container body 20) and/or othercomponents. Base assembly 11 and container assembly 12 may be configuredto be coupled during blending by blender 100. For example, in someimplementations, base assembly 11 and container assembly 12 may bemechanically coupled, e.g., through one or more threaded couplings.Other types of couplings may be envisioned for blender 100, thoughleak-proof options are preferred, since most uses include one or moreliquid ingredients. In some implementations, display panel 21 mayinclude one or more electrical connectors 22 (depicted in FIG. 1 as adotted rectangle to indicate this component may be embedded in displaypanel 21, and not readily visible from the outside). Electricalconnectors 22 may be located at the base of display panel 21, near baseassembly 11. Electrical connectors 22 may be configured to couple withone or more components of base assembly 11 (e.g., electrical motor 14,control circuitry 17, and/or other components). Responsive to beingcoupled with base assembly 11, electrical connectors 22 may beconfigured to transmit power and/or information (e.g., visual content)to display panel 21. In some implementations, control circuitry 17and/or other components may be included in base assembly 11, e.g.,within base assembly 11. For example, one or more of control interface29, control circuitry 17, electrical motor 14 (depicted in FIG. 1 as adotted rectangle to indicate this component may be embedded within baseassembly 11, and not readily visible from the outside), rechargeablebattery 15 (depicted in FIG. 1 as a dotted rectangle to indicate thiscomponent may be embedded within base assembly 11, and not readilyvisible from the outside), and/or other components may be integratedpermanently into base assembly 11 such that base assembly 11 forms anintegral whole. In some implementations, the phrase “integratedpermanently” may refer to components being integrated such that they arenot readily accessible, serviceable, and/or replaceable by a user, or atleast not during ordinary usage by the user, including, but not limitedto, charging, blending, cleaning, and storing for later use.

In some implementations, base assembly 11 may include one or more of abase body 11 b (as depicted in FIG. 4 , containing at least some of thecomponents of base assembly 11), blending component 133 (e.g., a set ofblades 13, also referred to as a set of one or more blades 13),electrical motor 14, a rechargeable battery 15, a charging interface 25,one or more mechanical couplings 16, a detector 18 (depicted in FIG. 1as a dotted rectangle to indicate this component may be embedded withinbase assembly 11, and not readily visible from the outside), one or morealignment indicators 19, control interface 29, and/or other components.

In some implementations, one or more mechanical couplings 16 may includethreaded couplings. For example, one or more mechanical couplings 16 mayinclude a first mechanical coupling and a second mechanical coupling. Insome implementations, the first mechanical coupling may be included inbase assembly 11, and may be a female threaded coupling configured tofit together with the second mechanical coupling (which may be includedin container assembly 12). The first mechanical coupling and the secondmechanical coupling may be configured to (temporarily and detachably)couple base assembly 11 to container assembly 12.

Referring to FIG. 1 , blending component 133 may include one or morestructural components configured to blend foodstuffs, including but notlimited to one or more blending bars, one or more blades, and/or otherstructural components configured to rotate. For example, in someimplementations, blending component 133 may include set of blades 13,which may be rotatably mounted to base assembly 11 to blend foodstuffs.Blending component 133 may be configured to rotate around a rotationalaxis 13 a. Rotational axis 13 a is depicted in FIG. 1 as a geometric2-dimensional line extending indefinitely through blending component133, and is not a physical axis. Rather, rotational axis 13 a indicateshow blending component 133 rotates in relation to other components ofblender 100, in a rotational direction 13 b. In some implementations,blending component 133 may be mounted permanently to base assembly 11.In some implementations, set of blades 13 may include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ormore pairs of blades. In some implementations, a pair of blades mayinclude two blades on opposite sides of rotational axis 13 a. In someimplementations, a pair of blades may have two blades such that thedistal ends of these two blades are at the same horizontal level. Insome implementations, as depicted in the upright configuration ofblender 100 in FIG. 1 , set of blades 13 may include six blades thatform three pairs of blades. In some implementations, set of blades 13may include at least two downward blades, which may prevent and/orreduce foodstuffs remaining unblended when disposed under the upwardblades. In some implementations, set of blades 13 may include at leastfour upward blades. In some implementations, including six blades may bepreferred over including less than six blades, in particular forblending ice and/or ice cubes. By using more blades, more points ofcontact will hit the ice at substantially the same time, which reducesthe likelihood that a piece of ice is merely propelled rather thanbroken, crushed, and/or blended, in particular for implementationshaving limited power (here, the term “limited” is used in comparison toblenders that are connected to common outlets during blending), such asdisclosed herein. As used herein, directional terms such as upward,downward, left, right, front, back, and so forth are relative to FIG. 1unless otherwise noted.

Referring to FIG. 1 , in some implementations, base assembly 11 may havea cylindrical and/or conical shape (apart from blending component 133and/or set of blades 13). In some implementations, the shape of baseassembly 11 may have a base diameter between 2 and 4 inches. In someimplementations, the shape of base assembly 11 may have a base diameterbetween 3 and 3.5 inches. Such a base diameter may improve portability,as well as allow blender 100 to be stored in a cup holder, e.g., in avehicle. For example, FIG. 4 shows a front view of base assembly 11,depicting a blade diameter 13 d (e.g., the diameter of the circledescribed by rotation of the distal ends of the lowest (and/or widest)pair of blades in set of blades 13) and a base diameter 11 a (asmeasured at or near the top of base assembly 11). In someimplementations, blade diameter 13 d may refer to the largest diameterof any circle described by rotation of distal ends of pairs of blades inset of blades 13 (or other distal ends of blending component 133), asmeasured perpendicular to rotation. In some implementations, theorientation of blade diameter 13 d may be orthogonal/perpendicular tothe direction of rotational axis 13 a. In some implementations, theplane of rotation of the distal ends of the blades (or other distal endsof blending component 133) that define blade diameter 13 d may beorthogonal/perpendicular to the direction of rotational axis 13 a. Bladediameter 13 d may refer to a blending bar, or to set of blades 13,and/or to other types of blending components.

Referring to FIG. 1 , touchscreen 31 may be curved to match thecylindrical and/or conical shape of base assembly 11. In someimplementations, touchscreen 31 may sit flush on base assembly 11. Insome implementations, touchscreen 31 may include one or more of a lens,a glass top, an optical element, and/or other components. In someimplementations, touchscreen 31 may be flat (i.e., level) and include acurved (topical) lens. The lens may be curved to match the cylindricaland/or conical shape of base assembly 11. The lens may be positioned ontop of touchscreen 31 and/or may give the appearance that touchscreen 31is curved. In some implementations, touchscreen 31 may protrude out frombase assembly 11, such that the edge of touchscreen 31 creates a lipwith base assembly 11. In some implementations, the lip of touchscreen31 may have a height of 1 millimeters, 2 millimeters, 3 millimeters,and/or other measurements. In some implementations, the lip may surroundthe circumference of touchscreen 31.

Referring to FIG. 1 , container assembly 12 may include one or more of acontainer body 20, a cap 24 (e.g., to prevent spilling during blending),a carrying strap 3 (e.g., configured to carry blender 100), and/or othercomponents. Container body 20 may form a vessel to hold and/or containfoodstuffs within container assembly 12. In some implementations,container body 20 may be a cylindrical body and/or have a cylindricalshape, as depicted in FIG. 3 , by way of non-limiting example. In someimplementations, container body 20 may be open at one or both ends. Insome implementations, container body 20 may be closed at the bottom. Insome implementations, the dimensions of container assembly 12 may besuch that the internal volume of container assembly 12 can hold 8, 10,12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 28, 32, 36, 48, or more ounces. In someimplementations, container assembly 12 and/or container body 20 may havecylindrical shapes. In some implementations, container assembly 12and/or container body 20 may have a proximal end 5 and a distal end 7.In some implementations, proximal end 5 may be open. Proximal end 5 maybe disposed, subsequent to base assembly 11 being coupled to containerassembly 12, near blending component 133 and/or set of blades 13. Distalend 7 may be opposite proximal end 5. In some implementations, distalend 7 may include cap 24. Container assembly 12 and/or container body20, may have a container height that extends from proximal end 5 todistal end 7. In some implementations, the container height may rangebetween 4 and 6 inches, between 5 and 7 inches, between 6 and 8 inches,between 7 and 10 inches, and/or another distance.

Referring to FIG. 1 , display panel 21 may be embedded within containerbody 20. In some implementations, display panel 21 may be embeddedwithin container body 20 such that the external surface of containerbody 20 is smooth. In some implementations, display panel 21 may beembedded within container body such that the edges of display panel 21creates a lip with container body 20. The lip of display panel 21 mayhave a height of 1 millimeters, 2 millimeters, 3 millimeters, and/orother measurements. Display panel 21 may have a shape that follows thecurvature of container assembly 12 and/or container body 20, as depictedin FIG. 3 . Display panel 21 may have a panel height that extends from afirst point or level along the container height to a second point orlevel along the container height. In some implementations, the firstpoint or level is at or near proximal end 5. In some implementations,the second point or level is at or near distal end 7. In someimplementations, the panel height may be at least 40% of the containerheight. In some implementations, the panel height may be at least 50% ofthe container height. In some implementations, the panel height may beabout 75%% of the container height. In some implementations, the panelheight may be between 60%-80% of the container height. In someimplementations, the panel height may be between 75%-100% of thecontainer height. In some implementations, the panel height may be thesame as or similar to the container height. In some implementations, thepanel height may be one half, three-quarters, seven-eighths, and/orother fraction of the container height. Display panel 21 may have apanel width that extends from a first point along a circumference ofcontainer body 20 to a second point along the circumference of containerbody 20. The panel width may be one or more of 0.5 inches, 1 inch, 1.5inches, 2 inches, 5 centimeters, 10 centimeters, and/or other widths. Insome implementations, display panel 21 may extend around the entirecircumference of container body 20.

Referring to FIG. 1 , display panel 21 may be configured to presentvisual content. Display panel 21 may be an LCD screen, an LED screen, anOLED screen, and/or other types of transparent (or see-through)displays. In some implementations, display panel 21 may be transparentduring presentations of visual content so that foodstuffs held incontainer assembly 12 may be visible through container body 20 and/ordisplay panel 21. In some implementations, display panel 21 may becompletely transparent (i.e., clear) or partially transparent (i.e.,frosted), responsive to display panel 21 not presenting visual content.Display panel 21 may have a frosted appearance when blender 100 isturned off or in an idle mode, such that display panel 21 isdistinguishable on container body 20, as shown in FIG. 1 . In someimplementations, display panel 21 may be opaque and/or otherwisenon-transparent. In some implementations, mechanical couplings 16 mustbe engaged and/or aligned to allow presentations of visual content ondisplay panel 21.

Referring to FIG. 1 , electrical motor 14 may be configured torotationally drive blending component 133. In some implementations,electrical motor 14 may operate at a voltage between 5V and 15V. In oneor more preferential implementations, electrical motor 14 may operate ata voltage of about 7.4V. In some implementations, electrical motor 14may be configured to spin blending component 133 at a maximum speedbetween 15,000 rotations per minute (RPM) and 40,000 RPM. In one or morepreferential implementations, electrical motor 14 may spin blendingcomponent 133 at a maximum speed of about 22,000 RPM. Electrical motormay be configured to be powered by rechargeable battery 15.Simultaneously, in some implementations, electrical motor 14 may befurther configured to be powered through (standardized) charginginterface 25, though that may not be the preferred way of operatingblender 100. In one or more preferential implementations, no power is(or need be) supplied to electrical motor 14 from an external powersource during blending by blender 100. In some implementations, controlcircuit 17 may be configured to control electrical motor 14 duringrotation of blending component 133. For example, control circuit 17 maycontrol the speed of the rotation of blending component 133 duringblending by blender 100.

Referring to FIG. 1 , rechargeable battery 15 may be configured to powerelectrical motor 14, display panel 21, and/or other components ofblender 100. In some implementations, rechargeable battery 15 may beconfigured to power electrical motor 14 such that, during blending byblender 100, no power is supplied to electrical motor 14 from anexternal power source. In some implementations, rechargeable battery 15may be non-removable. As used herein, the term “non-removable” may meannot accessible to users during common usage of blender 100, includingcharging, blending, cleaning, and storing for later use. In someimplementations, rechargeable battery 15 may be not user-replaceable (inother words, non-removable). In some implementations, rechargeablebattery 15 may be user-replaceable. In some implementations,rechargeable battery 15 may be store-bought. In some implementations,rechargeable battery 15 may have a capacity between 1000 mAh and 10000mAh. In one or more preferential implementations, rechargeable battery15 may have a capacity of about 2500 mAh. In some implementations,control circuit 17 may be configured to control charging of rechargeablebattery 15. For example, control circuit 17 may control the transfer ofelectrical power through standardized charging interface 25 intorechargeable battery 15. For example, responsive to a detection thatrechargeable battery 15 is fully charged, control circuit 17 may preventthe transfer of electrical power through standardized charging interface25 into rechargeable battery 15.

Charging interface 25 may be standardized and may be configured toconduct electrical power to rechargeable battery 15. In someimplementations, charging interface 25 may be configured to conductelectrical power to charge rechargeable battery 15, e.g., from anexternal power source. In some implementations, charging interface 25may be configured to support wireless charging of rechargeable battery15, e.g., from an external power source, including but not limited toinduction-based charging. In some implementations, charging interface 25may be a universal serial bus (USB) port configured to receive anelectrical connector for charging rechargeable battery 15. A USB port ismerely one type of standardized charging interface. Other standards arecontemplated within the scope of this disclosure. The electricalconnector may be connected to an external power source. In someimplementations, charging interface 25 may be covered for protectionand/or other reasons.

Detector 18 may be configured to detect whether mechanical couplings 16are coupled in a manner operable and suitable for blending by blender100. In some implementations, operation of detector 18 may use one ormore magnetic components. For example, in some implementations, one ormore magnetic components are included in container body 20. Engagementmay be detected responsive to these one or more magnetic componentsbeing aligned and sufficiently close to one or more matching magneticcomponents that may be included in base assembly 11. In someimplementations, blender 100 may include one or more alignmentindicators 19, depicted in FIG. 1 as matching triangles, to visually aidthe user in aligning base assembly 11 with container assembly 12 in amanner operable and suitable for blending. In some implementations, oneor more alignment indicators 19 may be in the front, in the back, and/orin other parts of blender 100.

Control interface 29 is (part of) the user interface of blender 100.Through this user interface, a user of blender 100 may control theoperation of blender 100, including but not limited to transitionsbetween different modes of operation, and/or control presentations ofvisual content on display panel 21. Visual content may be text graphics,image graphics, symbols, logos, and/or other types of visual contentcapable of being displayed on a screen.

In some implementations, visual content may include one or more volumemarkers, volume measurements, ingredient markers, and/or other visualcontent. An individual volume marker may indicate a position along thepanel height of display panel 21. The individual volume marker may be atleast one of a line, a dash, a dot, and/or other symbols. The individualvolume marker may correspond to a volume measurement. The volumemeasurement may be a numerical value which specifies the volume offoodstuffs that can be held in a portion of container body 20. Theportion of the container body may be defined by the position along thepanel height of the display panel indicated by the volume marker to asecond position along the container height. The second position may be aposition near proximal end 5 and/or a position indicated by a secondvolume marker. The volume measurement may be one or more of an ounce,two ounces, one quarter of a cup, one third of a cup, one half of a cup,three-quarters of a cup, one cup, two cups, three cups, 50 mL, 100 mL,200 mL, 400 mL, and/or other volumetric values. In some implementationsthe individual volume marker may be presented on display panel 21 nearor next to the corresponding volume measurement. The individual volumemarker may correspond to an ingredient marker. The ingredient marker mayindicate a type of foodstuff to put into container body 20. Theingredient marker may be a text graphic, an image, and/or other types ofvisual content capable of being displayed on a screen. In someimplementations, the individual volume marker may be presented ondisplay panel 21 near or next to the corresponding ingredient marker. Insome implementations, combinations of volume markers, volumemeasurements, ingredient markers, and/or other types of visual contentmay correspond to recipes. Recipes may be presented to the user oncontrol interface 29. The user may then select an individual recipethrough control interface 29. User selection of the individual recipemay effectuate the presentation of particular visual content on displaypanel 21 in accordance with the individual recipe.

The different modes of operation may include multiple blending modes ofoperation. For example, in some implementations, the modes of operationinclude a ready-to-blend mode. During the ready-to-blend mode, blender100 is not blending, but blender 100 may be ready to blend (i.e., readyto initiate blending). For example, blender 100 may have sufficientpower through rechargeable battery 15, and mechanical couplings 16 maybe coupled in a manner operable and suitable for blending by blender100. The transitions may include transitions from the ready-to-blendmode to one of the blending modes of operation, and/or vice versa. Insome implementations, the blending modes of operation of blender 100 mayinclude at least two blending modes of operation: a fixed-time blendingmode of operation, a variable-time blending mode of operation, and/orother blending modes of operation. For example, during the fixed-timeblending mode of operation of blender 100, control circuitry 17 may beconfigured to effectuate rotation of blending component 133 (in otherwords, to effectuate blending) for a particular duration. In someimplementations, the particular duration may be limited to apredetermined time limit. For example, the predetermined time limit maybe 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, 40 seconds, 50 seconds, 1 minute,and/or other time limit. In some implementations, the predetermined timelimit may be between 10 and 60 seconds, between 20 and 50 seconds,between 30 and 40 seconds, between 1 and 2 minutes, and/or have anotherrange of durations. For example, during the variable-time blending modeof operation of blender 100, control circuitry 17 may be configured toeffectuate rotation of blending component 133 for one or more durations.Individual ones of the one or more durations may correspond toindividual occurrences of the user touching control interface 29 and/ortouchscreen 31. In other words, as long as the user continues to touch(or otherwise provide input), blender 100 blends. For example, the usermay use short taps or longer taps, or any combination as desired duringthe variable time blending mode of operation of blender 100.

In some implementations, control interface 29 may include one or moretouchscreens, such as touchscreen 31. For example, a touchscreen ofcontrol interface 29 may be configured to receive user input. As usedherein, user input of a touchscreen may include one or more of tappingtouchscreen 31, multiple consecutive occurrences of tapping ontouchscreen 31, swiping touchscreen 31 (e.g., horizontally, vertically,and/or diagonally), and/or other user gestures (by way of non-limitingexample, a circular swipe or gesture, a pinch a reverse pinch, etc.) oruser interactions with touchscreen 31. In some implementations, controlinterface 29 includes exactly one touchscreen (i.e., touchscreen 31).For example, in some implementations, touchscreen 31 may be the onlyuser-manipulatable portion of control interface 29, such that no otheruser interface component controls the operation of blender 100, thetransitions between different blending modes of operation used byblender 100, or the presentations of visual content on display panel 21.

In some implementations, control interface 29 may include one or morecontrollable light-emitting components. For example, the light-emittingcomponents may be LEDs or other types of lights. In someimplementations, the light emitting components may be positioned aroundthe circumference of control interface 29 and/or touchscreen 31. In someimplementations the light emitting component may be (part of) controlinterface 29 or touchscreen 31. For example, control interface 29 mayflash to indicate a transition from one (blending) mode to another(blending) mode. In some implementations, the one or more controllablelight-emitting components may be configured to selectively light up. Insome implementations, the one or more controllable light-emittingcomponents may be configured to indicate, to a user, a current mode ofoperation of blender 100, an occurrence of a transition betweendifferent modes of operation, a warning for the user, and/or otherinformation regarding the operation of blender 100. For example, the oneor more controllable light-emitting components may use different colors,intensities, patterns, sequences, and/or other combinations of light toprovide information to the user. In some implementations, controlinterface 29 may include one or more controllable sound-emittingcomponents, such as a speaker, configured to selectively emit sound. Insome implementations, the one or more controllable sound-emittingcomponents may be configured to indicate, to a user, a current mode ofoperation of blender 100, an occurrence of a transition betweendifferent modes of operation, a warning for the user, and/or otherinformation regarding the operation of blender 100. For example, the oneor more controllable sound-emitting components may use differentfrequencies, volumes, patterns, sequences, and/or other combinations ofsound to provide information to the user.

In some implementations, base assembly 11 may include a haptic feedbackengine (not depicted). The haptic feedback engine may be configured toprovide haptic feedback to the user. Haptic feedback to the user may becontrolled by control circuitry 17. In some implementations, a detectionof user input by control circuitry 17 may initiate one or more hapticfeedback responses by the haptic feedback engine. A haptic feedbackresponse may include one or more vibrations of control interface 29and/or touchscreen 31. In some implementations, the haptic feedbackresponse may be determined by the type of detections made by controlcircuitry 17. By way of non-limiting example, a first type of detectionsmay initiate a first type of haptic feedback response, and a second typeof detections may initiate a second type of haptic feedback response,and/or other haptic feedback responses. The first type of hapticfeedback response may be different than the second type of hapticfeedback response and/or other haptic feedback responses. In someimplementations, haptic feedback response may vary in vibrationstrength, pattern, and/or other (vibration) aspects. In someimplementations, the haptic feedback response may include controlinterface 29 and/or touchscreen 31 moving inward, similar to a button,upon receiving user input. In some implementations, the haptic feedbackresponses may be used to convey blender information to the user. Forexample, a haptic feedback response may indicate to the user thatblender 100 is in a low-battery mode and/or in a locked mode.

In some implementations, touchscreen 31 may include on or more of anelectronic ink design. In some implementations, the electronic inkdesign may be embedded into touchscreen 31. In some implementations, theelectronic ink design may include one or more of a logo, an icon, and/orother designs. In some implementations, the electronic ink design mayonly be visible to the user when touchscreen 31 is not illuminatedand/or turned off. In some implementations, the electronic ink designmay be visible to the user when blender 100 is in one or more of alow-power mode, a locked mode, a ready-to-blend mode, a shutdown mode,and/or other modes.

In some implementations, control interface 29 (e.g., through touchscreen31) may be configured to present one or more of a home menu, a settingsmenu, a selection menu, a recipe menu, and/or other menus and/orpresentations. The recipe menu may include one or more recipes capableof being selected by the user. Individual recipes included in the recipemenu may correspond to visual content capable of being displayed ondisplay panel 21. Visual content may include first visual content,second visual content, third visual content, and/or other visualcontent. First visual content may be in accordance with the firstrecipe, second visual content may be in accordance with the secondrecipe, third visual content may be in accordance with the third recipe,and so on and so forth.

Control circuitry 17 may be configured to control different functionsand/or operations of blender 100, including but not limited to turningblender 100 on and off, transitioning between different modes ofoperation, charging of rechargeable battery 15, controlling ofelectrical motor 14 with regard to rotation of blending component 133and/or during rotation of blending component 133, determining whethermechanical couplings 16 are engaged properly for blending, controllingor otherwise using control interface 29, and/or performing otherfunctions for blender 100. In some implementations, control circuitry 17may be configured to prevent rotation of blending component 133responsive to a determination that mechanical couplings 16 are notengaged (or not engaged properly for the intended operation of blender100). In some implementations, control circuitry 17 may be configured touse control interface 29 to convey information regarding the operationalstatus of blender 100 to a user. For example, control interface 29 mayinclude a light that can illuminate in various colors and/or patterns.In some implementations, control circuitry 17 may be implemented as aprinted circuit board (PCB). In some implementations, informationregarding the operational status of blender 100 may be conveyed throughdisplay panel 21. Display panel 21 may present visual content includingwarnings, battery level, current blending model of operation, and/orother information. For example, display panel 21 may present visualcontent indicating that mechanical couplings 16 are not engaged, blender100 has a low battery level, and/or other information.

In some implementations, control circuitry 17 may be configured to makedetections regarding one or more touchscreens of control interface 29(or regarding control interface 29 itself). For example, controlcircuitry 17 may be able to detect whether touchscreen 31 has received(one or more types of) user input. User input may include one or more ofthe user single tapping, double tapping, swiping (horizontally from leftto right, horizontally from right to left, vertically from top tobottom, vertically from bottom to top, and/or other types of swiping),tapping and holding, and/or other interactions or types of user inputreceived through control interface 29 and/or touchscreen 31. Controlcircuitry 17 may be configured to make different types of detectionsbased on user input, including but not limited to first, second, thirdtypes of detections, and/or other types of detections. A first type ofdetection may indicate occurrences of a first type of user input. Asecond type of detection may indicate occurrence of a second type ofuser input. A third type of detections may indicate occurrence of athird type of user input, and so forth.

In some implementations, the first type of user input may indicate theuser touching control interface 29 and/or touchscreen 31 in a firstmanner. For example, the user may select the first recipe from therecipe menu displayed on touchscreen 31. In some implementations, theuser may select the first recipe by touching, swiping, pinching, and/orother maneuvers at a position on touchscreen 31 where the first recipeis located. Responsive to the user selecting the first recipe, controlcircuitry 17 may make a first detection of the first type of detections.The first detection of the first type of detections may effectuatepresentation of first visual content on display panel 21. First visualcontent may include one or more volume markers, volume measurements,ingredient markers, and/or other types of visual content in accordancewith the first recipe. The user may then select the second recipe fromthe recipe menu displayed on touchscreen 31. In some implementations,the user may select the second recipe by touching, swiping, pinching,and/or other maneuvers at a position on touchscreen 31 where the secondrecipe is located. Responsive to the user selecting the second recipe,control circuitry 17 may make a second detection of the first type ofdetections. The second detection of the first type of detections mayeffectuate presentation of second visual content on display panel 21.Second visual content may include one or more volume markers, volumemeasurements, ingredient markers, and/or other types of visual contentin accordance with the second recipe.

In some implementations, the second type of user input may indicate theuser touching control interface 29 and/or touchscreen 31 in a secondmanner. Responsive to the user touching (i.e., providing user input) inthe second manner, control circuitry 17 may be configured to enable oneor more transitions between different (blending) modes of operation. Thetransitions may include a first, second, third, fourth, fifth transitionand so forth. For example, the first transition may be from aready-to-blend mode to a first blending mode. In some implementations, atransition to the first blending mode may occur responsive to a thirddetection of the second type of detections. The first blending mode maybe one of a fixed-time blending mode, a variable time blending mode,and/or other blending modes. For example, the second transition may befrom a first blending mode to a ready-to-blend mode. In someimplementations, the second transition may occur responsive to a fourthdetection of the second type of detections and/or other particular typesof detections. Other particular types of detections may include one ormore idle durations in which control interface 29 and/or touchscreen 31does not receive user input for a set duration of time. By way ofnon-limiting example, the first blending mode may have a fixed timeduration, after which the blender may automatically “time-out” andtransition to the ready-to-blend mode without user input. For example,the third transition may be from a first blending mode to a secondblending mode. The second blending mode may be a different blending modeof operation than the first blending mode. In some implementations, thethird transition may occur responsive to a fifth detection of the secondtype of detections. In some implementations, control circuitry 17 may beconfigured to prevent rotation of blending component 133 in a lockedmode of operation. In some implementations, control circuitry 17 may beconfigured to allow rotation of blending component 133 in an unlockedmode of operation (by way of non-limiting example, the ready-to-blendmode may be an unlocked mode of operation).

In some implementations, the third type of user input may indicate theuser touching control interface 29 and/or touchscreen 31 in a thirdmanner. Responsive to the user touching in the third manner, controlcircuitry 17 may be configured to control operations of controlinterface 29 to enable one or more transitions between displayspresented via touchscreen 31 or another component of blender 100 (e.g.,different sets of information and/or different options for acceptinguser input). Displays may include one or more of a home menu, a settingsmenu, a selection menu, a recipe menu, and/or other menus and/orpresentations.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary use of a blender 100 with a transparentdisplay panel 21 a (blender 100 and display panel 21 a may be the sameas or similar to the blender and display panel shown in FIG. 1 ).Display panel 21 a may be configured to present particular visualcontent. The visual content may include one or more volume markers 40a-n, one or more volume measurements 42 a-n, and/or other components. Insome implementations, visual content presented on display panel 21 a maybe used for measuring foodstuffs to be held in or added to containerbody 20. In some implementations, visual content may include pairs ofvolume markers and volume measurements. For example, volume marker 40 amay be paired with volume measurement 42 a, volume marker 40 b may bepaired with volume measurement 42 b, and so on and so forth.

Referring to FIG. 5 , volume marker 40 a may indicate a position alongthe container height. A first portion of container body 20 may extendfrom proximal end 5 to the position indicated by volume marker 40 a. Thefirst portion of container body 20 may be capable of holding a volumethat is specified by volume measurement 42 a (1.5 cups). In someimplementations, volume marker 40 b may indicate a position along thecontainer height. A second portion of container body 20 may extend fromproximal end 5 to the position indicated by volume marker 40 b. Thesecond portion of container body 20 may be capable of holding a volumethat is specified by volume measurement 42 b (1.25 cups). In someimplementations, volume markers 40 a-n and/or volume measurement 42 a-nmay include different units of measurement, may include more or lessvolume markers and/or volume measurement, and/or other variations. Insome implementations, changes to the visual content presented on displaypanel 21 a may be effectuate by user interaction with touchscreen 31.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary use of a blender 100 with a transparentdisplay panel 21 b (blender 100 and display panel 21 b may be the sameas or similar to the blender and display panel shown in FIG. 1 ). FIG. 6may show blender 100 at a time after control circuitry 17 has made adetection of the first type of detections and/or the user has selectedthe first recipe from the recipe menu via touchscreen 31. Display panel21 b may be configured to present visual content. Although display panel21 is shown as extending from proximal end 5 to distal end 7, this isnot meant to be limiting. Display panel 21 may extend from a first pointalong the container height to a second point along the container height.

Referring to FIG. 6 , visual content may include volume markers 44 a-c,ingredient markers 46 a-c, and/or other components. Volume markers 44a-c, ingredient markers 46 a-c and/or other components may be presentedin accordance with the first recipe. In some implementations, selectionof different recipes may effectuate presentation of different visualcontent. In some implementations, visual content may include pairs ofvolume markers and ingredient markers. For example, volume marker 44 amay be paired with ingredient marker 46 a, volume marker 44 b may bepaired with ingredient marker 46 b, and volume marker 44 c may be pairedwith ingredient marker 46 bc. Volume marker 44 c may indicate a filllevel for a first ingredient specified by ingredient marker 46 c. Volumemarker 44 b may indicate a fill level for a second ingredient specifiedby ingredient marker 46 b. Volume marker 44 a may indicate a fill levelfor a third ingredient specified by ingredient marker 46 a. In someimplementations, ingredients may be placed into container body in anorder specified by the visual content. For example, the first recipe mayrequire the user to place the ingredients in the order that they arepresent from proximal end 5 to distal end 7.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 for effectuating presentations of visualcontent on a display panel of a blender, in accordance with one or moreimplementations. The blender may include a base assembly, a containerassembly including the display panel, the container assembly having acontainer height, a blending component, a control interface including atouchscreen, and control circuitry. The operations of method 200presented below are intended to be illustrative. In someimplementations, method 200 may be accomplished with one or moreadditional operations not described, and/or without one or more of theoperations discussed. Additionally, the order in which the operations ofmethod 200 are illustrated in FIG. 2 and described below is not intendedto be limiting.

In some implementations, method 200 may be implemented using one or moreprocessing devices (e.g., a digital processor, an analog processor, adigital circuit designed to process information, an analog circuitdesigned to process information, a state machine, control circuitry,and/or other mechanisms for electronically processing information). Theone or more processing devices may include one or more devices executingsome or all of the operations of method 200 in response to instructionsstored electronically on an electronic storage medium. The one or moreprocessing devices may include one or more devices configured throughhardware, firmware, and/or software to be specifically designed forexecution of one or more of the operations of method 200.

An operation 202 may include receiving a first type of user inputthrough the control interface. The first type of user input may indicatea user touching the control interface and/or a touchscreen in a firstmanner. In some embodiments, operation 202 is performed by a touchscreenand/or a control interface the same as or similar to touchscreen 31and/or control interface 29 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

An operation 204 may include making detections regarding the user inputreceived through the control interface. The detections may include afirst type of detections. The first type of detections may indicateoccurrences of the control interface receiving the first type of userinput. In some embodiments, operation 204 is performed by controlcircuitry the same as or similar to control circuitry 17 (shown in FIG.1 and described herein).

An operation 206 may include, responsive to a first detection of thefirst type of detections, effectuating presentation of first visualcontent on the display panel. The display panel has a panel heightextending along at least 50% of the container height. In someembodiments, operation 206 is performed by control circuitry the same asor similar to display panel 21 (shown in FIG. 1 and described herein).

Although the present technology has been described in detail for thepurpose of illustration based on what is currently considered to be themost practical and preferred implementations, it is to be understoodthat such detail is solely for that purpose and that the technology isnot limited to the disclosed implementations, but, on the contrary, isintended to cover modifications and equivalent arrangements that arewithin the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it isto be understood that the present technology contemplates that, to theextent possible, one or more features of any implementation can becombined with one or more features of any other implementation.

What is claimed:
 1. A blender configured to blend foodstuffs usingdifferent blending modes of operation, including a ready-to-blend modeand a first blending mode, wherein the blender is portable, the blendercomprising: a base assembly, a container assembly, a blending component,a control interface included in the base assembly, and controlcircuitry, wherein the base assembly further includes an electricalmotor configured to drive rotation of the blending component, whereinthe electrical motor is integrated into the base assembly; wherein theblending component is configured to rotate around a rotational axis andblend the foodstuffs during blending by the blender, wherein thecontainer assembly includes a container body and is configured to holdthe foodstuffs within the container body during blending by the blender,wherein the container body has a cylindrical shape, wherein thecontainer assembly further includes: a proximal end that is disposed,subsequent to the base assembly being coupled to the container assembly,near the blending component; and a distal end opposite the proximal endsuch that a container height of the container assembly extends from theproximal end to the distal end; a display panel embedded in thecontainer assembly, wherein the display panel has a panel height,wherein the panel height of the display panel extends from a first pointalong the container height to a second point along the container height,wherein the panel height is at least 50% of the container height,wherein the display panel follows a curvature of the cylindrical shapeof the container body, and wherein the display panel is configured toelectronically present visual content including text graphics, whereinthe visual content includes first visual content corresponding to afirst recipe and second visual content corresponding to a second recipe,wherein the second visual content is different from the first visualcontent; wherein the control interface includes a touchscreen, whereinthe touchscreen of the control interface is configured to receive userinput from a user, wherein the control interface is configured to:receive a first user input, wherein the first user input includes theuser touching the touchscreen in a first manner; and receive a seconduser input, wherein the second user input includes the user touching thetouchscreen in a second manner; wherein the control circuitry isincluded in the base assembly and configured to: control the electricalmotor in accordance with the different blending modes of operation suchthat, in the first blending mode, the electrical motor is controlled toaccomplish the rotation of the blending component; make detectionsregarding the user input received by the control interface, wherein thedetections include occurrences of the control interface receiving thefirst user input and occurrences of the control interface receiving thesecond user input; responsive to a first detection of the first userinput, effectuate presentation of the first visual content on thedisplay panel, wherein the first visual content corresponds to the firstrecipe; and responsive to a second detection of the second user input,effectuate presentation of the second visual content on the displaypanel, wherein the second visual content corresponds to the secondrecipe.
 2. The blender of claim 1, wherein the display panel is atransparent screen, such that the foodstuffs held in the containerassembly are visible through the display panel during the presentationof the first visual content.
 3. The blender of claim 2, wherein thetransparent screen is one or more of an LCD screen, an LED screen, or anOLED screen.
 4. The blender of claim 1, wherein the first visual contentincludes at least one of volume markers, volume measurements, andingredient markers.
 5. The blender of claim 4, wherein the ingredientmarkers indicate a type of foodstuff to put into the container body. 6.The blender of claim 1, wherein a volume marker indicates a positionalong the panel height of the display panel, and wherein the volumemarker is at least one of a line, a dash, a dot, and a symbol.
 7. Theblender of claim 1, wherein a volume measurement corresponds to a volumemarker, wherein the volume measurement indicates a volume of foodstuffsthat can be held in the portion of the container body from the proximalend of the container body to the position along the panel height of thedisplay panel indicated by the volume marker.
 8. The blender of claim 7,wherein a volume measurement includes one or more of an ounce, twoounces, one quarter of a cup, one third of a cup, one half of a cup,three-quarters of a cup, one cup, two cups, or three cups.
 9. Theblender of claim 1, wherein the touchscreen is round, and wherein thetouchscreen is configured to present one or more recipes via one or moreof a selection menu, a recipe menu, and a recipe list.
 10. The blenderof claim 1, wherein the first user input effectuates selecting the firstrecipe from the touchscreen, and wherein the first visual contentincludes one or more volume markers, one or more volume measurements,and one or more ingredient markers in accordance with the first recipe.11. The blender of claim 1, wherein the user input includes at least oneof: (i) tapping the touchscreen once, (ii) multiple consecutiveoccurrences of tapping the touchscreen, and (iii) swiping thetouchscreen.
 12. A method for effectuating presentations of visualcontent on a display panel of a blender, the blender being portable, theblender being configured to blend foodstuffs, wherein the blenderincludes a base assembly, a container assembly including the displaypanel and a container body, wherein the container body has a cylindricalshape, wherein the display panel follows a curvature of the cylindricalshape of the container body, wherein the container assembly has acontainer height, a blending component, a control interface including atouchscreen, and control circuitry, the method comprising: receiving afirst user input through the control interface, wherein the first userinput includes a user touching the touchscreen in a first manner;receiving a second user input through the control interface, wherein thesecond user input includes the user touching the touchscreen in a secondmanner; making detections regarding the user input received through thecontrol interface, wherein the detections include occurrences of thecontrol interface receiving the first user input and occurrences of thecontrol interface receiving the second user input; responsive to a firstdetection of the first user input, effectuating presentation of a firstvisual content including text graphics on the display panel, wherein thedisplay panel has a panel height extending along at least 50% of thecontainer height, and wherein the first visual content corresponds to afirst recipe; and responsive to a second detection of the second userinput, effectuating presentation of a second visual content includingtext graphics on the display panel, wherein the second visual contentcorresponds to a second recipe, and wherein the second visual content isdifferent from the first visual content.
 13. The method of claim 12,wherein the display panel is a transparent screen, such that thefoodstuffs held in the container assembly are visible through thedisplay panel during the presentation of the visual content.
 14. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the transparent screen is one or more of anLCD screen, an LED screen, or an OLEO screen.
 15. The blender of claim12, wherein the visual content includes at least one of volume markers,volume measurements, and ingredient markers.
 16. The method of claim 12,wherein a volume marker indicates a position along a panel height of thedisplay panel, and wherein the volume marker is at least one of a line,a dash, a dot, and a symbol.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein avolume measurement corresponds to a volume marker, wherein the volumemeasurement indicates a volume of foodstuffs that can be held in theportion of the container body from the proximal end of the containerbody to the position along the panel height of the display panelindicated by the volume marker.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein thevolume measurement includes one or more of an ounce, two ounces, onequarter of a cup, one third of a cup, one half of a cup, three-quartersof a cup, one cup, two cups, or three cups.